AUDI’S eagerly awaited new R8 Roadster had its public debut at the show. The drop-top version of the popular R8 coupe goes on sale shortly in the UK and is powered by a 5.2-litre, 525bhp engine.
The open-air experience won’t come cheap, however. Audi has set the car’s price at a wallet-bending £111,995 and £117,155 for the manual and R-tronic semi-auto gearbox equipped cars, respectively.
Promising to be a more affordable experience is the firm’s new premium compact hatch, the A1. Predicted to go up against the likes of BMW’s Mini, the car offers buyers a first step on the Audi ladder.
And following the recent debut of Audi’s R8-based e-tron electric hybrid concept, the German firm has rolled out a version based on the A1.
Keen to display a commitment to zero-emissions city motoring, the A1 e-tron boasts a 31-mile range in the city when driven in electric mode. A compact engine is used to replenish the battery system when it’s exhausted.
Although only a concept, Audi joins a number of car-makers with its “range extender” technology, and there’s every chance something similar could hit the streets sooner rather than later.
CREWE-BASED luxury car-maker Bentley gave its new flagship model, the Mulsanne, its European debut at Geneva. Positioned above the popular Continental Flying Spur, the Mulsanne is the first all-new Bentley since the company was taken over by Volkswagen.
Although the design is said to be influenced by the famous Bentley S-Type of the 1950s, the car’s unseen technology is as modern as it gets. Hi-tech metals are involved in the car’s construction, while the likes of LED lights ensure that the car performs as well as any 21st-century rival.
An infotainment system boasting MP3 compatibility plus a host of other features round off what is said to be a thoroughly modern interpretation of a traditional Bentley saloon.
THE media got its first chance to get up close and personal with Mini’s crossover vehicle, the Countryman.
As a high-rise alternative to the familiar three-door model, the Countryman offers more space and versatility and is the first of the new range of cars to come with all-wheel drive.
Although only an option, BMW hopes the inclusion of the all-wheel drive will tempt buyers who would have otherwise purchased a conventional small SUV.
The Countryman brings the Mini range up to four models, and it will go on sale in September with prices starting from £16,000 and with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines.
FORD showed off its latest-generation Focus at the Geneva show. Getting its public debut was the practical estate version, alongside the five-door hatch variant.
The cars are said to boast a more premium feel inside and out. The estate, which Ford hopes will account for about 10% of the range, will include options such as a self-closing tailgate – usually a feature of more expensive models.
NISSAN chief Carlos Ghosn was on hand at the Geneva Motor Show to unveil his firm’s new fourth-generation Micra compact hatchback.
With claims of improved use of space and an increased focus on efficiency, this latest Micra will eventually be sold with a three-cylinder, supercharged petrol engine and a sub-100g/km CO rating.
Developed on an all-new V platform, the Micra is destined to be sold in 160 countries and built in four different manufacturing plants.
Europe will see a simple engine line-up of three-pot petrol engines – the supercharged motor will follow later. A five-speed manual gearbox will be the default transmission, with buyers able to choose an optional CVY auto ’box.
Despite the focus on economy, Nissan is claiming that the Micra will be well equipped for a car in this class. Keyless ignition, parking aids and an affordable satnav system will all feature in the new line-up when the car goes on sale in the UK this autumn.
VAUXHALL showed off its new Meriva compact people car for the first time at the Geneva show. An all-new design, the car boasts an unusual feature – FlexDoors.
Roughly translated, the Meriva comes with rear doors that open out towards the back of the car, creating a greater sense of space and boosting access when getting in or out of the compact MPV.
In another departure from its predecessor, this latest-generation Meriva boasts higher levels of all-round quality and standard equipment. Available to order now, the Meriva will be sold with a range of small, frugal petrol and diesel engines.
Vauxhall’s focus on affordability is reinforced by the car-maker’s decision to price the range from £15,495 – that’s for a 1.4-litre, 100bhp petrol model complete with MP3 player connectivity, electric windows and an electronic parking brake as standard.